It is unclear whether the watch will be a self-contained product, or rely on a Bluetooth connection to a smartphone.

The claimed code name of the project, Altius, is causing some confusion, as SamMobile had previously reported this to be the code name for the Galaxy S IV expected to be launched on April 15, though other code names have been associated with that handset. The watch screenshots indicate that the device is running software called AltiusOS beta2, and an app navigation screen bears a resemblance to the tiles seen on Windows Phone.

SlashGear notes that the screenshots are 500x500 pixels, and suggests that this may be the resolution of the screen.

Apple and Samsung are of course not the only major electronics companies apparently seeking to break into the watch market, with Sony offering another example in the form of its Android-compatible SmartWatch. But given the tense relationship between Apple and Samsung, it is notable that the two companies appear to be preparing to face off yet again in a new market.

How is this even possible. They would have to see the released iWatch in order to copy it an release an identical version with the Samsung logo and Android OS. This article implies that Samsung actually has its own R&D department. It is not April 1st today.

Posted yesterday on SamMobile, plus a list of reasons why these are completely fake:

First of all Samsung doesn’t use codenames on their splash screen, like you can see in the first image Samsung Galaxy “Altius”. The UI doesn’t meet Samsung’s UX guidelines and Samsung never uses mirror effect on their branding, like you can see in image 3-5. One more thing, in image 3 & 4 it says code “altios” not “altius”.

Most of these watches are doomed for failure. It doesn't matter how elegant the OS is, or how responsive the touchscreen is, or even how vibrant the display is. Each time you touch the screen you black out a huge portion of display. Can you imagine if you have an oversized hand. Guess what most men do. A possible solution would be the pointing device from Crucialtec. How else would they do it?

How is this even possible. They would have to see the released iWatch in order to copy it an release an identical version with the Samsung logo and Android OS. This article implies that Samsung actually has its own R&D department. It is not April 1st today.

With all of the leaks now all they have to do is watch the rumor sites to find out months in advance some times with pictures then see what they have applied for patents and then try to beat them to market. It's happened at least 5 times in the last couple of years.

If they put something out before Apple, they'd be first but there's a much greater likelihood that it'll suck without an interface to copy. However, it could help them gain momentum so they can come out with something much better after they see what Apple does. Either way, it could be a win-win for Samsung.

Not really beating it to market if it turns out to be crappy. There have been plenty of smart watches, and they have all been terrible. Not until the pebble has anyone really started to get things right, but who is to say Samsung can do any better?

Really, the whole part of the rumor about the 'iWatch' is that it is something Apple has probably been developing for a long time now, and if it comes out it would offer something new and work really well (ideally).

Nobody really knows anything about anything though, so it's all market hype and as usual the armchair analysis is super high.

I don't think that's even a watch… The elements are so tiny for a smart watch! Unless Samsung is planning to make a smart watch with a 3" display…

No no. The watch will be size of your forearm. According to Android smartphone manufacturers bigger has to be better. It'll be just like the forearm computer that Judge Dredd wore in the movie Dredd.

As I've said before a smartwatch should work as a standalone device and perform as a regular watch BUT also act as an extension of your phone connecting via bluetooth. Have certain apps on your phone interact with the watch like mobile payments, messages, emails, other notifications.